"Jodie & I watched Never Get Busted Again, again last night. It was a completely excellent, informative, FASCINATING, sort of tragic and a very absorbing video. It bears watching over and over again. This video could keep thousands of pot smoking citizens out of jail. My highest recommendation possible for this outstanding DVD"
--Marc Emery, editor of Cannabis Culture magazine July 8, 2007.
I am a former 15 year veteran police officer, undercover
narcotics investigator, K9 handler and Chief of Police. I held an intermediate peace officer license with TCLEOSE until December of last year. I am currently a private investigator and business owner. I agree with you 100% and am glad to see someone with enough courage to step out and add some light to the gray areas of the law.
Keep up the good work!
H.R.
Mr. Barry Copper,
When asked who is my role model or my hero, I always used to be undecided. However recently when i discovered your website and learned about your purpose, dedication, and goal, I no longer have to think before i tell people that you are my role model. I've done countless speeches and reports about the decriminalization of marijuana, in school and out of school, but audiences don't take me as seriously as i want them to. Probably because i'm still a teen, and in their eyes teens are worthless beings. I've watched your speeches and I have to say I believe that we can make a difference. I must admit I've had some unfortunate run-ins with the law and even though i still haven't managed to buy your DVD, I played it smart and safe and was able to get myself out of situations where a search was conducted. All thanks to education and the willingness to devote my time to read and learn about my rights. Whether you are doing this for the money or not I'm here to tell you that I truly support your efforts, and I, as well as all the marijuana users in this country are hoping for better days. Thank you for your efforts. I speak for everyone when i say that you have no idea how much you've helped us realize that freedom is worth fighting for.
-P.D.
I love the DVD... It's great...I learned a lot already. It's like having someone "on the inside"
From N
Barry - just got & viewed never get busted again and it is wonderful.
your earnest and sincere intro and common sense point of view is superb and i wonder how many of the kids who would benefit will actually sit down and study the documentary movie you have written, produced and directed.
From GKO
I watched the DVD and I am very impressed - there is a lot of good solid information in there. Driving to work this morning I noticed a patrol car in what I now know is an obvious "profiling" set up. I am glad to see that you have come back to the side of the Angels too.
I spent time in the Army working as a clerk for CID and learned first hand to never trust an LEO - they will lie to you and treat you like you are their new very best of all friends - to get you to say something incriminating, and then they will use it against use as agressively as possible, and might even lie about what you said. You pointed that out too and I hope people will believe you.
The best advice I have for anyone pulled over by the police is to not say anything more than is absolutley necessary, always tell the truth, never lie to a cop, but never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut either. And remember, they will lie to you. Name rank and serial number is all you have to give them.
LT
You're tape is so informative, and to come from an ex-police officer holds hope!! I'll tell you what! I have a 5-year-old nephew, who is very much boy, and they're saying he needs Ritlin! He's 5!! and they want to get him hooked on Ritlin!They pass around this man-made crap like it's candy! I'll give my kid marijuana, before I introduce him to Ritlin or any other pharmaceutical!!
From LW
Seems to me Loretta nall has her panties in a bunch because you got some voice, and she, does not. I viewed your movie, and I must say that I was impressed with the information you imparted. I was thrilled when you gave the advice - "NOT GUILTY, JURY TRIAL". Can you give me any scenario as to defense when the evidence is legitimate and seems damning? Is there one? Can it be argued in front of a jury that the law I'm being charged under is unconstitutional (or somthing along those lines). Think nullification.
Thanks,
D
Barry I received it yesterday evening. All I can say is incredible video. Can't wait for Vol 2.
From JW
Hey Barry...
I watched the movie. Personally it was way better than I suspected it might be. Very good job man. I'm proud of you. Let me know if you ever make any more movies. I'm sure you will be rich someday! :-)
Take care.
ZM
Thanks so much for the Don't Get Busted DVD. I hope that I never need to use the things I learned.
I found the pointers on where to hide your stash phenomenal. The lesson about taking advantage of a Troopers attempt to set you up and turning that around into permission to leave is priceless. I can't believe that so many things that I thought were good advice are, in fact, useless old wives tales.
Your DVD is a necessary piece of counter intelligence for otherwise law-abiding citizens who could fall victim to the new Prohibition.
From D.S.
BARRY GREAT DVD, THANKS FOR CARING ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU BUSTED ,IT SHOWED TRUE HEART, I'VE BEEN GIVING TO NORML FOR 40 YEARS NOW, AM A VERY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MAN AND HOPING FOR THE DAY OF LEGALITY.
From DD
I really enjoyed them. I questioned myself as to what I do in a traffic stop situation such as the hand motions and nervous reactions. It makes you think about what clues tip people off that you wouldn't normally even think of.
I also wanted to thank you for doing it. I have been a part of NORML for about 6 years now and have tried to share with family and friends what I have learned-especially in the area of being a responsible user. Many people say: "You worry too much", but they do not realize how serious the penalties are for simple possession or the damage that these laws can cause. This video is a wonderful tool in such an unfair war against responsible use for adults. It's great to see someone doing the right thing and fight for their beliefs!
I look forward to seeing one of your seminars in the future. I do often travel for NORML conferences, and other Marijuana related events (Once in Texas to hang out with Willie Nelson) and would be happy to help the cause in any way I can. Like I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, don't hesitate to contact me if you need volunteers for a function or anything relating to this subject. Thanks again....looking forward to Vol. 2
From GR
I enjoyed reading about you in the Houston Press. It is about time someone from the other side saw the light. I am a retired USAR Lieutenant Colonel and Pastor.
I believe in America, land of the free, home of the brave! However we are not free and the few freedoms we have are being attacked. The war on drugs creates gangsters just like prohibition did in the twenties. What a waste of resources.
G From Houston
got the dvd! wow! YOU HAVE A JUST AND NOBLE CAUSE!! thank you
From TH
I just recieved my order in the mail yesterday. Thanks, I found the DVD's to be informative and had valuable tips on how to avoid getting busted. I am saddened by Loretta Nall's response to the DVD since it seems she hasn't even watched the video yet. I was disappointed that she turned down the generous offer to come see you in Texas.
I noticed some people have issues with consenting to a search. I have used this tactic before and avoided arrest so I know it works. I suppose the logic of avoiding detection instead of attracting negative attention doesn't make sense to everyone.
It's surprising how much people will spend on weed but won't invest a penny on information to prevent legal troubles. I just didn't want to be the low hanging fruit by staying ignorant.
From VA
Hi Barry. I got the DVD. Great product. It is a great service you are providing, which is much appreciated, especially in light of all the flak you are receiving. The fact that prohibition doesn't work is such a simple concept that has been proven over and over again by history, and yet many people can not even discuss it without going hysterical, and trying to interject all sorts of value judgments. Yet it is a simple pragmatic concept, that prohibition not only harms and criminalizes innocent citizens, but also deprives the government of tax dollars, creates a criminal element to distribute prohibited items, and causes the government to waste even more tax dollars in a futile attempt to enforce the prohibition.
Thanks Again,
DC
Very authentic... you loved your job! I am going to give a twice over and will write some more after church.
From RB
Everyone loved the DVD...it was worth the wait! Will you please let us know when a second volume of Never Get Busted Again and Never Get Raided are available?
Thanks CD
Great show man, I'm gonna let all my little homies watch it, smoke ya lata!
From JS
Well, the dvd arrived today. I can't wait to show it to everyone! :-) i have only watched the introduction so far, but that story is pretty friggin cool in itself!
i just wanted to say thank you, once again, from just another 22 year old guy in north
jersey that your dvd will hopefully help...
THIS DVD IS GREAT! YOU ARE THE MAN. YES!
VOLUME TWO CANT COME SOONER!
JK From Jersey
I write this on behalf of DFW NORML's officers and volunteers in support of Barry Cooper, whose efforts to educate the public concerning their rights is to be commended. We believe information concerning the law; Constitutional rights and educational material provided to public servants should be readily available to the public. Many of those in positions of authority fail to realize the power they have has been granted by the people with the sole intent that they act in the best interest of the people. Those who oppose Barry Cooper's efforts are those who use the ignorance of the public as their most powerful weapon. If an educated population threatens to 'unravel years of hard work' (as has been the public accusation of a handful of law enforcement personnel), an assessment is in order.
As Americans, we need to be sure that we are making socially responsible decisions, based on true justice, concerning marihuana policy.
Dallas/ Fort Worth NORML supports those who promote policies based on science and compassion, rather than apathy, hate, and fear tactics.
Thank you Mr. Cooper.
From Dallas/ Fort Worth NORML
Dear Barry:
My husband and I have received and viewed your DVD's. We would like to start by thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for your humanity and your compassion. We would also like to thank the other good people who submitted testimonials to your site; our hearts and prayers go out to the ones whose lives are being destroyed for no sane reason and to the good peace officers (active and nonactive) who are willing to stand by you in the truth as are we. We wholeheartedly agree with all of the testimonials on your site and would like to share our point of view with you.
First, what touched our hearts the most with regard to you, Barry, is the fact that you were one of "those" officers who was more concerned with "the score" than with the people and the truth. The fact that you have been honest and strong enough to not only admit to yourself that you were in the wrong with regard to the issue of Cannabis but you're also willing to take a public stand along with the criticisms that come with it shows a higher level of consciousness and that you are an independent thinker. We need more Angels like you.
For my husband and me it's a little different (although we still remain open to attack by police and government like everyone else) but having said that, not only do we live in a state (CA) where medical marijuana is legal and a little more tolerated, more importantly we are also Cannabis Sacrament Ministers. Our religion mandates daily ritual of cannabis sacrament as part of our spiritual connection with God and humanity and we believe that Cannabis is the Healing Tree of Life created by God on the third day of Creation as referenced in the Bible. Scientists have proven that we (humans) have what are called "Cannibanoid or THC Receptors" in our brain; meaning, our brains are actually set-up to receive Cannabis - God meant for us to utilize this amazing plant for many different things! The benefits of Cannabis (female plant)/Hemp (male plant) are food (for yourself and your animals); FUEL; clothing; string; paper, etc. The list goes on and on. Cannabis also renews the soil as it grows so after you harvest your crop your soil is renewed rather than depleted. (Case in Point: Hemp, the male canna plant was planted in Chernobyl after the nuclear explosion causing subsequent radiation poisoning and it has neutralized/cleansed the radiation in the ground thereby making it safe.) Cannabis was also one of the ingredients in the Holy Anointing Oil Jesus used. Cannabis/Hemp truly is a Gift from God.
Finally, for those of you who don't know, our forefathers George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, etc., grew and smoked cannabis/hemp and in fact, it was one of the major commodities that funded the birth of our nation. It was mandated that WE THE PEOPLE grow hemp/cannabis and you could be jailed for NOT growing it as it was used for so many different things and was in most medicines you bought until prohibition in the 1920's.
Once again, Bless You for your courage and strength and know that we support you wholeheartedly.
God Bless,
Reverend M and Reverend R
California
My son was arrested for having a very small amount of marijuana in his pockets. He is a college student and will be trying to obtain a job in his field of study soon. We are very concerned that this event, which should not be more than a minor ticket - if anything, will cause irreparable harm to his future. I emailed Barry for advice and he initiated direct contact in order to help us out. He called and gave us very informative and relevant advice. He was very detailed in what actions we should take and pointed us in the right direction for further help. Barry is truly concerned about the harm that can occur, because of this legal abuse, to people who are being treated as if they are dangerous criminals.
Carol
My son is a medical cannabis patient, recently arrested and charged. I am disturbed and frightened at the continual war on innocent people and medical patients.
While visiting our home in S.D. to visit our son and two grandchildren, the DEA held a gun to my chest, tore the house apart in front of our 5 yr old and 2 yr old granddaughters. They found 28 medical Marijuana plants in a locked room adjacent to the house. Our son has a lesion on his brain and a history of increased pressure. He has had a recommendation since the age of 12, after spinal taps glaucoma drugs etc. He is 25. The children were removed the two yr old was put into foster care where she was hurt. Her head was split requiring 7 stitches, we were not told for 5 days. The sutures were not done well she developed an infection, and now has a very noticeable scar for life. Our son and his fiancé were in jail for 3 days. His fiancé’s college scholarship was lost; she was threatened in the woman’s detention facility. Our son was having bleeding from his GI system. He delt previously with a cannabis club, as he was told he legally could. They made him pledge to sale to the cannabis club. The judge is opposed to anyone using cannabis, and is trying to make it so he cannot smoke. He will get sick if he doesn't use cannabis. This has destroyed our lives. I still have nightmares of the DEA’s visit handcuffing me. I do not even have a traffic ticket. I was a caregiver for elderly and hospice. I lost a 9 yr old child previously, he had a blood disorder, was the only one in S.D. county for 9 yr. with this disorder. He was the Chargers blood drive child. I have a 27 yr old niece who just had brain surgery in San Francisco by Dr. Starr, on her brain stem. The cause? The pharmaceutical psych. drug risperitol, she took it for 2 weeks she is one of many Dr. Starr states who got the irreversible side effect, that only brain surgery can correct at $150,000. But don't use Cannabis, it just might cure you. Thank you for your time I am so depressed and worried for our son. I pray everyday for justice and his safety.
Debbie from South Dakota
This letter is not intended to demean any law enforcement agency whatsoever. I respect the job and the dangers they face fully. I also have no incentive or motivation to support ex-lawman Barry Cooper's video. Furthermore, I do not use illegal drugs or consume alcoholic beverages. So, I am not using this letter as motivation to support either side. My main intention is to address the reality of the war to combat illegal drugs, and the countless dollars we as taxpayers provide to fight it.
Cooper's interview did, however, bring up some very logical points. I do know he speaks from experience, and my most responsible research suggests he is correct concerning only marijuana.
His remarks defended no other substance. In fact, he stated all other illegal substances and alcohol are very damaging to our society. I also further believe his main intention and logic centers on reforming marijuana laws.
He never said he condones drug use, simply that he thinks laws concerning marijuana are impractical and unfair, and very hypocritical.
He also states "pot" convictions have ruined far too many lives, mainly because they are too harsh for people using marijuana. Yet we as a society promote the consumption of liquors.
While I think neither marijuana nor alcohol is good, the laws concerning them are far too hypocritical to accept, and practical research has shown throughout the years the damaging effects of liquor consumption. And our efforts to stop liquor sales and use were impossible, as proven by the failed Prohibition era.
A very reliable article in the May 2005 issue of Texas Monthly researched the taxpayers' cost to try and house marijuana offenders. It costs Texas well over $300 million per year, and that did not include paying law enforcement personnel. Not only would relaxing marijuana laws save taxpayers money, it would greatly relieve overcrowded jails.
I feel like money would be better spent on rehabilitation efforts helping people.
Prisons are necessary, but they should be used for serious crimes against society. It's easy to suggest pot smokers are criminals, but research for the most part does not support that statement. Locking them up does little to stop the war on drugs, not to mention that it can destroy a person's future employment.
My intentions are not to support drug use, but to look at some realistic options that will save taxpayers money and reduce overcrowding.
I am also not implying all pot smokers are good, responsible people, but the majority are not criminals, just as some law enforcement officers abuse their badge and power by making unfair decisions concerning some arrests.
However, let's face it: Society will never be able to eliminate all idiots or rednecks. It is simply unfair that a person smoking a joint can be deemed a criminal, while a person can legally consume a six-pack and somehow we as a society view that as acceptable just because of legislation.
My final point concerns letters written by peace officers concerning Cooper's interview. I value and respect their opinions, but their letters offer no real evidence proving Cooper is wrong, and they all seem to be motivated by anger.
Cooper has created adversity at the very least. Sometimes it takes adversity to bring about needed reforms and look at things realistically. I do know most good things ultimately are a result of love, compassion and a motivation to help people.
Let us all work together to find reasonable solutions to our nation's problems.
Boon from Texas
Destroyed Lives
My son had juvenile arthritis, and now he has arthritis. He was given a medical marijuana card for the spasms and pain when he turned 18. By the time he was 19, he had two felonies for possession and sale of marijuana. Because he had a prescription, the dirty cop who busted him took $200 from the money he took from my son and said he found way more weed on my son than he had on him. Also, he put in the police report my son admitted selling weed after holding a gun on him. My son was destroyed and still is in shock. But of course, he is a disabled boy with two felonies and only 20 years old. I think there are as many dirty cops as there is drug dealers.
My whole family is destroyed. We are broke because of paying for a not-guilty lawyer and about to lose our home because we know my son is innocent. Marijuana was a herb that helped. Now, he is back on vicodin, and sick to his stomach.
Janet from California
I have seen Barry Cooper on CNN and Fox News. I totally agree with him on his politics against the war on drugs. I am 43, female, and a registered voter. I would much rather deal with a pot smoker than a drunk. We do have many people in jail serving serious time over a little weed. I think he needs to push more on the point about we need the room for pedophiles.
Stay on the track. I am with you, and so are a lot of people. You're just the first one to stand up and have have the courage to say it. If you lead, people will follow.
Paula from Ohio
I am so proud of you Barry, for telling it like it is.... FYI - Our beautiful 22 year old son is doing 2.5 years in the NAVCON brig just 9 months after joining the Navy to better himself. Instead of helping my son, the Navy set him up in a sting. They tricked him into getting 1/2 gram of heroin and bringing it on base to a so-called friend who turned out be a NCIS informant. The Navy judge gave him 7 years in prison plus a dishonorable discharge. This was his first offense of any kind. Unbelievable. Turns out the Navy has a big drug problem of its own and I feel they are partly responsible for subjecting my son to these conditions on base. This has broken our family apart. Ruined our Christmas' and other holidays too. I think the NCIS agent even felt bad about the sentence my son got, once he realized how nice a person our son is. The agent worked out a pre-trial agreement with Navy prosecutors for the 30 months. My son didn't fully realize the risk he was taking. He was only trying to fit in with other sailors and was too willing to help others.
Keep telling your story to everyone who'll listen. Please help us end the madness with the war on drugs. Tell them how treatment and education is the answer, not prison. Finally someone is talking about this sick war against our own citizens. Don't ever stop talking no matter how much flack you get. Just know that you are breaking ground to save our kids from this monster we used to affectionately call, law enforcement. We can't trust law enforcement to balance their motivation in charging our kids with these horrific crimes anymore. There's little compassion or balanced judgment on the part of officers. Their thinking needs to change. When I smoked my first joint over 35 years ago, I said to myself… government will never be able to lock up everyone that uses this stuff. There will never be enough jails or officers to do it. It didn't make any sense then and it doesn't make any sense now! We must legalize it all now! Tax cannabis like tobacco and let Doctors regulate the harder drugs.
Thank you and God bless you for your higher plane of thinking. If only you can find a way to get other law enforcement officers and politicians to agree with you in public, I believe change is possible. How can I help?
RP from Florida
It is a rare thing to be able to honestly see where one has been mistaken, especially when doing so means having to assume a certain amount of guilt for the harm one has caused others by their (previous) actions. Your being able to do so, IMO, shows beyond a doubt that not only are you a good person, a person of conscience, but courageous in a way that's truly extraordinary as well. Bless you.
Greg
I too am a former law enforcement officer from the state of Delaware. I was assigned to the patrol division for approximately five years before deciding to change careers. I could no longer accept being a part of our so called "criminal justice system". I completely stand by your assertions regarding the needless apprehension and prosecution of marijuana dealers and users.
I hope that your campaign can be the beginning of a wave of reform with respect to marijuana laws.
Christopher from Delaware
I am a Licensed Texas Peace Officer (Graduate of the East Texas Police Academy at Kilgore College). I hold an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate as well as a TCLEOSE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Instructor Certificate. I too am a former law enforcement officer and narcotics interdiction officer. I am also a former undercover officer (no, I have not had to use in the line of duty). In addition, I am a former Correctional Officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice- Institutional Division.
I hold certifications in Narcotics Interdiction and have undergone training from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Narcotics Officer Association, and regional law enforcement academies. I have taught classes throughout the state in law enforcement and criminal procedures and investigations. I have obtained over 4,000 hours of TCLEOSE Training, and over 100 semester hours of law related courses at the collegiate level throughout the United States from accredited colleges.
I have worked across the state- and have seen the effects of our failed "war" on drugs, in particularly, marijuana. I believe I have relevant experience to voice my opinion, and offer my praise to Mr. Cooper.
I am an award winning Detective, with over a 90% clearance rate, and a 100% conviction rate. I have seized over 250k in assets in my time as a narcotic interdiction officer, without the assistance of a canine. Not all of my career was spent as a Patrolman or Officer, but as a supervisor, and as a Chief.
I too, have seen the effect of our current laws in this State and around the nation. Prior to becoming a Police Officer, I worked in the state prison system here in East Texas. I know that TDCJ has over a 70% recidivism rate (offenders returning to prison). You would be surprised at the large number of users in TDCJ who were incarcerated for MARIJUANA possession alone.
There are over 100k inmates currently confined in TDCJ, while serious sex offenders are on probation walking our streets, for crimes such as Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Indecency with a Child, or similar crimes. There are murderers on the street, who committed a crime against a person. But, while these people are on the street, which is largely due to our overcrowded prisons, you have approximately 15k in our prisons and jails, who have done nothing more than possess marijuana, and got caught 3 times, and received life sentences.
Our priorities are not straight. We lock up people with marijuana, and seize their assets to fund our government, while John Q. Rapist walks the streets and violates his victims sexually. We lost the war on drugs years ago.
In my time in Public Safety (Police/Fire and EMS) I have never seen a fatality accident involving marijuana, combined with or without any other substance such as alcohol. I have worked over 1,000 fatality accidents involving alcohol, but never one involving Marijuana. I have never arrested anyone for DWI- Marijuana, as is allowed by state law, because they could pass a sobriety test, and perform all the motor skills needed to prove their ability to drive. I can not say the same about alcohol.
I believe that heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and the "hard drugs" and Marijuana are not the same. Marijuana has no business classified as a "Controlled Substance", but should be treated the same as Alcohol and Tobacco. If a person chooses to smoke it, then let them smoke it. It does not impair them to the point it costs lives like alcohol. The statistics available from the government, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prove this, as well as my own experience with individuals who have smoked marijuana, which I dealt with in the line of duty.
I have never seen marijuana make anyone violent, insane, or any of the things you see portrayed in propaganda films such as Reefer Madness. The fact is this was all a lie of our government- one that wants to control the populous for its own agenda. Its goal is not to protect the public, but to line their pockets with the cash and assets of Americans. If our goal was "safety and protection" of the public, we would not have alcohol, which killed over 100 thousand Americans last year in crashes alone.
I whole hardly support Barry Cooper and his efforts to educate the public, and to work at reforming our laws to end prohibition of marijuana. The prison beds we empty may keep your family safe, so we can lock up the murderers and rapists, and other violent criminals, instead of focusing on marijuana offenders who do nothing but smoke a joint every now and then. They don't rape, rob, steal, etc. The fact is, that marijuana is dirt cheap, and is readily available, but illegal. One ounce can last as long as a person wants, some state they
The new commercial from the Anti Drug movement regarding the teenagers sitting on the couch, and nothing happening to them- like risking their lives in the "world" says it best. Nothing happens while they are under the influence. I have NEVER worked an "overdose" on marijuana, but have seen many fatal overdoses on alcohol. My first call as a police patrolman was that of a man who drank 36 COLT 45 malt beers, and died in his house, in the heat of summer- and stayed their decaying for a month. I have never seen this with Marijuana. I have never taken a kid to the hospital with a marijuana overdose, and then had to tell his/her parents that their son/daughter had died. I have done this many times with alcohol overdoses. Everyone thinks alcohol is safe because it is regulated, but the fact of the matter is- it is not. Marijuana has no overdose capability, nor has it ever caused someone to die when smoked by itself.
It is time for our laws to change. I have to remain anonymous in this email, because I know the law enforcement community and anti-drug movement in East Texas and the US will retaliate against me, just as is currently happening against Mr. Cooper in the media.
I applaud him and his efforts, and wholeheartedly support him in the promotion of his "Never Get Busted" series. I endorse him and his efforts, and the products he produces to educate the citizens of this state and nation, and attempting to get our legal system changed.
J. from Texas
